Hiking to Summit Park Peak

Look on any map, and you will see the official name as “Point 8,618”. Because Summit Park Peak looks down on Summit Park, UT, the name is fitting. From the summit you will have beautiful 360 degree views of the Wasatch; on a clear day you can see as far West as Antelope Island and Stansbury Island.

To the North you can see Grandview Peak, and to the East, the High Uintas. Summit Park Peak is accessible year round, and is popular in Winter for back country skiers, due to the low angle terrain with low avalanche danger. Be sure to grab your hiking poles, and get ready for a short but sweet climb to the peak.

The Snyderville Basin Recreations District serves as the managing department for over 140 miles of non-motorized trails. The majority of trails in the Basin are on private property, and the connectivity of the trail system can be attributed to these land owners. By staying on designated trails, outdoor enthusiasts can help preserve public access on private lands. For a list of the Basin Trails, click here.

There are four starting points for this Summit Park Peak

Inssbruck Strausse TH

Matterhorn Drive TH

Matterhorn Terrace Drive

Lambs Canyon

I will be referring to the way I went, starting at Innsbruck Strausse Road in Summit Park, Utah.

Directions

From SLC drive East on I-80 through Parley’s Canyon. Take exit 140 towards Summit Park. At the bottom of the ramp, turn Right. At the first stop sign, turn right again at the Sinclair Gas Station, which will now be Aspen Drive. Continue on Aspen Drive, as it turns into Maple Drive, which turns into Crestview Drive, and then will turn into Innsbruck Strausse Drive.

You will see an electrical box on your right, and a neighbor’s little red storage unit. Drive another 100 yards and you will see the trail begin on your right with a few signs. This is where you will want to park. This area only fits about 4-5 cars. There are no restrooms. Here’s a driving map from SLC.

UPDATE 2022

There are now several “No winter parking between Nov 15 & May 15”.

I asked some ladies standing around where I should park now, and they didn’t know either they were trying to figure it out. But they did say parking enforcement just left as they pulled up. The car already there had a ticket on it. I looked at it, and it said “$0 – first ticket is a warning”. So just be aware that winter hiking is no longer accessible – its not worth whatever that ticket will cost.

Trail Info

Distance: 2.7 miles one way

Elevation gain: 1250 ft

Time: 2-4 hours

Dog friendly? Yes, on leash (but can be off leash with an eCollar in Summit county)

Kid friendly? Yes, but it may be steep for them

The trailhead will have a sign saying “motor vehicles strictly prohibited”. There is now a dogs on-leash sign but …nobody does. Summit County does allow dogs off leash if they have an eCollar.

There initially 7-8 switchbacks, with a moderate climb. The trail is very well shaded for this portion of the hike.

As the trail heads south, you will now have a great view of Summit Park Peak!

I love hiking this trail early (around 6am) – it’s quiet, you might see animals, and there are no bikes!

Soon you will now be on the South facing slope, with small trees, and a more exposed trail. At the 2nd trail split, veer right.

At the 3rd trail split, if you continue straight onto the “Trail to WORS” you will be walking above a green water tank. This is NOT the correct way.

The correct option is at the 3rd trail split to take the Over Easy Trail, and hike directly right (up & west) to the ridge. The trail sign is short so you can’t see it until you are on top of it, so I marked it here.

It’s SO green in mid-summer! All the flowers were blooming too.

When you reach the first small ridge you will see this tiny sign – stay left (south).

Now the trail gains elevation steeply to the next ridge.

At 1.9 miles you will see an unsigned trail split. If you stay right, it will take you steeply up to the ridge with this view. (You can also stay right, you will just skip the ski lift chair). Murdock Peak is to the far left and Mt.Aire is to the far right.